There are no countries in the world less known by the British than these selfsame British Islands, or where more strange things are every day occurri… - George Borrow

The author of Amelia, the most singular genius which their island ever produced, whose works it has long been the fashion to abuse in public and to read in secret.

Translation is at best an echo.

If you must commit suicide – and there is no knowing to what people may be brought – always contrive to do it as decorously as possible; the decencies, whether of life or of death, should never be lost sight of.